Cody finds himself wanting to nod in appreciation. Despite the abhorrence of Bobby’s acts, he has shown an admirable level of genius in leading the police up the wrong paths.
‘Okay, so you had us fooled. Why not leave it that way? Why even bother with this setup to talk to us now, when you could have just left us in the dark, wondering what this mess is all about?’
‘Because it’s essential that you know why I did it. You need to appreciate the importance of love. How crucial it is in our lives. And I’m not talking about the police generally. I’m talking about you two specifically.’
‘Us?’
‘Yes. Both of you. This all began with Oliver Selby, but it has developed into so much more. Of course, I knew that the police would investigate Alexa’s death. What I never foresaw was that I would be drawn into the love lives of two of their detectives. It’s been quite an experience, and I’ve got Parker to thank for that.’
Cody looks over at Webley and wonders if she’s ready for this.
It’s time to talk about her and about Parker, but also, he suspects, about himself.
39
Too Much Love Will Kill You
– Queen
‘Yeah,’ says Webley, ‘I was wondering when we’d get round to Parker. Great job, you piece of shit.’
‘Thank you, Megan. But I can’t take all the credit. You played your part, too.’
‘Nah, don’t even think of trying to put the blame elsewhere. Especially not on me.’
‘Well, you did split up with him, didn’t you? You did throw your engagement ring back in his face.’
‘And that’s a great reason for cutting someone up, isn’t it? Nice logic you’re using there.’
Again, Bobby sounds unfazed. ‘Parker’s situation was very similar to Oliver Selby’s in some ways. He believed the woman in his life was cheating on him. He—’
‘I wasn’t the woman in his life. Haven’t been for months.’
‘True, you’re no longer formally engaged. But Parker was still very much in love with you when I met him in that bar, drowning his sorrows because he missed you so much.’
Webley has to stifle a cry. She finds it unbearably sad that she created such a void in Parker’s life. Was she too harsh on him? Could she have prevented all this?
‘Whatever he felt about me didn’t make us a couple. You can’t cheat on someone who’s not a part of your life anymore.’
‘I agree. But Parker suspected that an affair might have been what soured your relationship in the first place. An affair with the man standing next to you right now.’
Webley shakes her head vigorously. ‘It’s not true. There’s nothing between me and Cody. We work together, and that’s it.’
She doesn’t glance at Cody. Doesn’t want to know whether he’s nodding in agreement or looking even remotely sceptical. Either reaction would open a drawer she’s not ready to delve into right now.
‘Funnily enough, I came to the same conclusion. I don’t think you cheated on Parker. I also found no evidence that Parker was playing around. You both made big mistakes, of course. Parker allowed excessive jealousy to get in the way of his love for you, and you didn’t try hard enough to reassure him. That said, love can make you do strange things sometimes. There was no real malice involved, and so I decided you two deserved more of a chance to get back together.’
Webley points at Parker’s body again. ‘Is that what you call this? You want to try putting Parker back together? How the fuck was this supposed to make us a couple again?’
‘You’re there, aren’t you? You’re with him. You’re upset for him. Perhaps you even realise how much you really do love him. Am I right?’
Webley ignores the question. She’s not about to let this psychopath become her relationship counsellor.
‘I suppose it was you who sent me the flowers, the finger, the appendix?’
‘Yes. But on Parker’s behalf. Not quite as poetic as sending you his heart but certainly less final.’
‘You’re not right in the head. You know that, don’t you?’
‘If there’s anyone who’s not all there, it’s Oliver and Claire in the other room. You two are much more complete.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘You and Parker, you’re two parts of a whole. That’s what love is. Savour this moment now. Be with him. Show him how much you care.’
She looks down at Parker again. At the mess he has become. A part of her wants to go to him. To tell him how sorry she is. To wish him a peaceful sleep after the nightmare he has endured.
But she’s not going to give this bastard the satisfaction.
‘A little late for that, don’t you think? Why did you have to do this to him?’
‘Actually, he’s the one who gave me the idea. He told me about you and Cody saving each other’s lives. It made me realise that a selfless act like that can forge a lifelong bond. I wanted to give you a chance to save Parker.’
Webley wags a finger at the camera. ‘No, you don’t. Don’t try to make me feel guilty for getting to him too late.’
‘I wouldn’t dream of it, dear Megan.’
But he has already planted the seed. She stares again at Parker, tears pricking her eyes as she wonders if she could have done more to find him in time to save his life.
